Harriers Claim Langholm Uphill Clean Sweep

Teviotdale Harriers were well represented at Tuesday night’s Muckle Toon Uphill Challenge and impressively claimed a clean sweep of wins.

Eight Harriers started amongst a field of 44 and Bruce Hughes, Lucy Ash, Conan Harper and Iona Jamieson scooped the four category wins on offer. With three winning for the second year in a row.

The 1.5 mile race organised by the Muckle Toon Joggers follows the Langholm to Newcastleton road. From the start near the Whitshiels Cafe the race winds 550ft up past the towering Malcolm Monument to its end at the ‘Cattle Grid.’

And it was Bruce Hughes who led them all home in a time of 11 minutes 17 seconds to retain his Senior Men’s title.

Young Conan Harper soon crossed the line, finishing a fantastic second overall and also retained his Junior Boys title in 12 minutes 19 seconds.

Lucy Ash, who just recently celebrated her 16th birthday now found herself competing in the Senior Women’s category. From the start Lucy showed them all what they were up against and stretched further away from the field to win in 13 minutes 32 seconds.

Iona Jamieson completed the hat trick of retained titles as she flew up the hill to win the Junior Girls title for the second year in a row. Iona, amazingly finished 9th overall in 12 minutes 58 seconds.

Giving his thoughts on the event Bruce said; “It’s a great but certainly testing event, huge credit must go to the organisers. The locals also came out in force to either race or support the runners and it was much needed to keep you going up the hill.

“I must admit though, I’m quite pleased we pulled of the clean sweep for Teviotdale.”